Educate

Make sure the feeling is mutual.

Consent is an important part of our daily lives and how we interact with those around us. Asking to borrow a friend’s phone before making a call or asking for permission before entering someone’s home comes naturally to us, so why is asking for consent before sex any different?

Consent is a vital part of sexual respect and having healthy sexual relationships. When it comes to sex, consent is not optional.

If someone forces (or tries to force) you to do something sexual that you don't want to do, remember that it's never your fault and it's not okay. If this has happened to you, support is available at UQ and the broader community.

Need emergency support?

If you are experiencing an emergency or have just experienced sexual assault and misconduct then you can call:

Consent Matters

Learn more about consent

Consent Matters is our free online course available on Blackboard that will help you understand sexual consent and how to recognise situations when consent can and can't be given, whatever your gender or sexuality.

Consent is...

Verbal, it is explicitly stated

Specific to the sexual activity and the way of doing it (ex: with a condom)

Freely given, without pressure or coercion

Limited to the specific act and time in which consent is given

Reversible can be taken away at any time, including during sex

Informed all parties involved know what they’re agreeing to

Consent is not...

Incapacitated, consent can not be given when drunk, high or unable to think clearly

Coerced, Threatened or Manipulated

Assumed, there shouldn’t be any doubt as to whether consent was given

Silence, the absence of a “no” is not a “yes”

Optional, without it, it’s not sex, it’s sexual assault

Learn more about consent

Cycling Through Consent

Sexual consent is key, and it’s just like consenting to go on a bike ride. To find out how, let’s go cycling through consent in the video below.

Online resources

The Line is an organisation that encourages healthy and respectful relationships by challenging and changing attitudes and behaviours that support violence.

Read their resources on consent to understand what consent looks like, what it doesn't look like, and phrases and non-verbal signs that may indicate that you do not have consent.